Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

Inside the Brothel of Pompeii

Jan 10, 2025

Join Sarah Levin-Richardson, an expert in Roman social history and author of "The Brothel of Pompeii," as she uncovers the intriguing world of sex work in ancient Pompeii. Discover the only known purpose-built brothel and the rich graffiti and art that tell stories of its patrons and workers. Dive into the complexities of agency among sex workers and how sexuality was openly depicted through phallic imagery. This conversation reveals the societal norms and economic realities of one of history's most fascinating eras.

46:45

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Episode guests

Sarah Levin-Richardson

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Quick takeaways

The Lupinar in Pompeii serves as a unique example of a dedicated space for sex work, revealing insights into ancient social dynamics.

Graffiti found within the brothel illustrates the personal experiences and agency of sex workers, highlighting their narratives in Roman society.

Deep dives

The Unique Brothel of Pompeii

The brothel in Pompeii, known as the Lupinar, stands out as the only known purpose-built brothel from the Roman era. Unlike other establishments, which often operated discreetly within taverns or inns, the Lupinar was a dedicated space explicitly for sex work. This uniqueness offers rich insights into the social dynamics of Pompeii, providing evidence of sex work that was once hidden from history’s gaze. The detailed preservation of this site, thanks to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, has allowed historians to explore the lives of those who worked and visited the brothel.

Intro

2min

Unveiling Pompeii's Past: The Brothel of 79 AD

14min

Time Traveling Through the Streets of Ancient Pompeii

3min

Exploring Sexuality in Pompeii

12min

Navigating Agency in Oppressive Circumstances

4min

Sex Work and Society in Ancient Rome

16min

Engagement and Product Promotions

2min

Sex work was everywhere in the ancient world, but a known dedicated space for it (a brothel), is an extremely rare and important thing.

Pompeii offers exactly that, with details such as graffiti and drawings immaculately preserved in the only known brothel from this period.

Who were the people who worked there? What can we find out about the nature of sex work in this period? And why are there penises drawn everywhere in Pompeii?

Joining Kate today is the wonderful Sarah Levin-Richardson, author of The Brothel of Pompeii: Sex, Class & Gender at the Margins of Roman Society, to help us find out.

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3 Media.

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Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

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